Short answer
Reference 1568420 does not appear in the Jaeger-LeCoultre factory catalog under that string. JLC lists Master Control models with Q-prefixed numbers such as Q1548420. Listings that use 1568420 describe a stainless steel three-hand watch with a date at 3 o'clock and a case near 39 mm. Replica versions sell for $180 to $700. Import into the United States and resale are illegal under federal law.
What the number points to
The Master Control Date baseline is a 39 mm steel case, sapphire front and back, caliber 899/1 automatic, 43-hour power reserve, 50 m water resistance, and an alligator strap. Listing numbers often drop the Q prefix, which is why 1568420 and Q1548420 get mixed in search results. We could not verify 1568420 as a factory reference.
Movements inside replicas
- Seagull ST2130: 28,800 vph, 38 to 42 hour reserve, a clone of the ETA 2824-2.
- Miyota 9015: 28,800 vph, 42 hour reserve, made in Japan.
- Hangzhou 6300 and similar domestic clones: lower finish, found in the $180 to $300 tier.
- Some sellers claim an ETA 2824-2. A movement photo and a timegrapher printout are the only proof.
Case, dial, and strap by tier
Tier 1 ($180 to $280): mineral glass, 40 mm case, 11.5 mm thick, stamped clasp, calf strap. Tier 2 ($300 to $450): sapphire crystal, 39 mm case, 10.5 mm thick, decorated rotor, signed clasp. Tier 3 ($500 to $700): sapphire with AR coating, brushed and polished case finishing, alligator-grain strap. No replica carries a JLC service record or factory parts support.
Checks before payment
- Ask for caliper photos of case diameter and thickness.
- Ask for a timegrapher readout. A rate inside plus or minus 15 seconds per day is normal for these movements.
- Compare dial printing, date font, and date position against catalog photos.
- Confirm the crystal material in writing.
- Ask about the return window and customs handling.
Legal position in the US
Counterfeit watches infringe trademarks held by Richemont, JLC's parent company. 18 U.S.C. 2320 sets criminal penalties for trafficking in counterfeit goods. 19 U.S.C. 1526 lets CBP seize and destroy shipments at the border. A private buyer risks seizure and gets no warranty or service path. A reseller faces fines and prison terms.
Verification limits
No public database confirms a 1568420 build. Serial numbers, service papers, and factory records are the checks that matter, and replicas have none of them. Treat a listing that shows a full JLC box and papers as unverified until a watchmaker opens the caseback.